Seth’s flight to New York the Monday following Hammer’s party was night-and-day from his trip home a mere nine weeks ago. The frustrations and questions then had been erased by happiness and hope now. His scowl was long gone, replaced by swagger.
He’d kissed Heavenly Young—been the first man to taste her lips, drink in her passion. Even forty-eight hours later, she still lingered on his tongue.
Christmas didn’t assault him on this trip through the terminal. Now, he saw hints that winter was almost over. Yankees’ spring training would start in a few days. It was no longer cold enough to give his balls frostbite. Most of all, he had a new outlook on life.
Because, after eight years of misery, he was finally going to embrace his future.
First, he had to say good-bye to his past—both the good and the bad. Since he still had family here, this wouldn’t be his last trip, but it would be the last time he called the city home.
Not too long ago, this plunge would have messed with his head. Even when he’d impulsively hopped on a plane back to California two weeks ago, he’d been intent on nothing beyond laying eyes on Heavenly and ending his misery. The idea of moving out West had seemed farfetched, surreal. Despite Liam’s cryptic warning about Heavenly, she guided him like a beacon toward a new home. He was going to spend his life with her. Every gut instinct he possessed told him so.
When he reached baggage claim, his mother stood waiting for him, just like his last trip. She looked every bit as vibrant now as she had at Christmas.
Carl must still be in the picture.
He hurried to her, swept her up in his arms, and kissed her soundly on the cheek. “It’s good to see you, Mom. Thanks for picking me up. How’s the family? Anna Mae growing? And how’s, um…Carl?”
“We’re all fine. Your niece is a good eater, just like all you boys. Carl is good.” She smiled. “It’s nice to have you home again. Now kindly put me down, son.”
Laughing, Seth lowered her to her feet. “It’s good to be here.” He sobered. “But I’m not staying. I’m moving to California.”
His mother blinked and set a hand over her chest. “You’re serious? So things went well in Los Angeles?”
“Very well.”
“Tell me everything.”
“For starters, Hammer is out of the woods. The bogus case against him has been dropped and justice has prevailed. He, Raine, and Liam are free to live happily ever after. And I think they finally will.”
“Then I’m happy for them.” She dropped her voice. “But I meant things with Heavenly. Did you see her?”
“I definitely did.” In fact, he’d more than seen the woman. He’d pressed his lips to hers, sunk his tongue into her mouth, and felt her body cling to his. He still couldn’t stop thinking about it. “You were right, Mom. I left LA too soon. I want this girl. And I finally have the validation that she wants me, too…so I’m moving.”
“Oh, honey. Everyone is going to be so surprised.” She paused, looking uncertain. “But moving is such a big step. Are you sure?”
Liam’s riddle at the party flitted through Seth’s head again. Nope. No way was he letting Heavenly slip through his fingers, especially not for good.
“More sure than I’ve been about anything in a long time. You’ll love her. Just look at her.” He whipped out his phone and showed her the picture Bryn had taken of most everyone at the party the other night. “She’s the pretty blonde. She’s really sweet, Mom.”
“She’s beautiful.” His mom looked a little misty-eyed. “Do you love her?”
“If I don’t already, I’m pretty sure it’s only a matter of time.”
She squeezed his arm. “Liam and Hammer look very happy. Is the brunette between them…”
“That’s Raine,” he finished. “She’s a doll.”
“And the other man with the beard?” She pointed to the right of Heavenly.
“Remember that asswipe I told you about at Christmas, Beck?” At her nod, he continued. “Well, he still wants her, too. And you can bet while I’m away, packing up and arranging my move, that he’ll be trying his damndest to convince Heavenly he’s her best choice. Just because he’s a doctor…” Seth sighed.
“What are her feelings for him?”
“I don’t know.” When his mother would have objected, he cut her off. “And I don’t care. What matters is what she feels for me. And I don’t intend to settle for anything less than making her mine.” He bent to retrieve a suitcase from the turning carousel. “This is it. I left the rest back in LA. You ready to get out of here?”
She took his free arm. “Let’s get you back to the house so you can tell the family.”
Absolutely. He’d thought this through over the past two days. He had a timetable and an agenda.
Thirty minutes later, he sat at the dining table in his mother’s house, surrounded by his family. He was holding his newborn niece on his lap and was captivated as the blue-eyed cutie stared back solemnly. She had that unforgettable baby smell, soft and fresh.
“She looks good on you.”
Seth looked up at Maggie. “You did good. Here, take her before I scare her. She doesn’t look too sure about me.”
For a moment, he had an image of a blond-haired cutie with eyes like her mother and almost laughed aloud. Christ, one step at a time. He looked over at his mom, her hand in Carl’s, lost in conversation. The twins wolfed down food like they hadn’t eaten in days. Danny smiled at his baby girl. Matt looked back at him, like he knew something was up.
“Matt, Cooper Investigations is yours if you want it.”
“What?” He reared back. “I don’t understand. What are you going to do?”
That halted conversation around the table. Everyone paused to look at him.
Their mother smiled. “Go on. Tell them.”
He looked at the faces of those who’d been his world for as long as he
